Dilip Guha, New Delhi ★ Sasraya News: A vibrant national-level corporate-based art exhibition, “_We Are 17_”, featuring 17 artists and National Award-winner Dibendu Bhadra, was inaugurated on 21st Dec 25, at the Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated by the distinguished Chief Guests, Mr Sanjay Bhattacharya, an Eminent Artist, and Prof. Paramjeet Singh, Former Principal of the College of Art, Delhi, and Former Chairman of AIFACS.
The event was further enriched by the gracious presence of Mrs Mannu Dosaj, Director of Galerie Alternatives, and Mrs Jyoti Kalra, Director of Uchaan Art Gallery.
Seventeen distinguished artists are coming together for the exhibition “We Are 17”, showcasing a vibrant spectrum of creativity and expression. The participating artists include Ajoy Bhowmick, Amit Sarkar, Arun Kumar, Beenu Bhatia, Dipika Saha, Dibyendu Bhadra, Gouri Biswas, Indira Halder, Mriganka Paul, Ramkrishna Paul, Ratna Bose, Sajal Kumar Mitra, Sujat Kumar Pattanaik, Sonali Maitra Paul, Sisir Kumar Dutta, Sujit Das, and Tandra Bhadra. Each of them brings a unique perspective and artistic voice, making the collective presentation a rich tapestry of styles and ideas that highlight the diversity and dynamism of contemporary art. The exhibition not only celebrates their collective creativity but also invites deeper engagement, as this reporter explores the concepts and inspirations behind the works of a few selected participants, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their artistic journeys.
The five-day exhibition has received an overwhelming response, attracting a large and enthusiastic gathering of art lovers on its first day. The exhibition”_We Are 17_” showcases a cutting-edge artistic concept, reflecting contemporary times and the fundamental social realities of our society with the display of Paintings, Graphics and Sculpture sparking remarkable energy and engagement among viewers.
The group of like-minded artists, led by Artist Ajoy Bhowmick, came together in New Delhi to curate an art exhibition themed “Cutting Edge,” exploring the journey of. human evolution and the impact of modern technology on society. The exhibition reflects on how, after billions of years of evolution since the dinosaur era, human civilisation has reached a phase where technology offers unprecedented comfort, efficiency, and possibilities. Through diverse artworks, the artists highlight both the achievements of this era and the contradictions it brings, as societies continue to face conflict, rapid change, and new uncertainties about the future. Speaking exclusively, the team leader of the 18-member collective said, “Our history has shaped the way we think today. While technology has transformed our lives, it has also raised important questions about values, coexistence, and purpose. Through this exhibition, we aim to examine how creative practices can add genuine value to humanity in an ever-evolving socio-political and economic landscape.”
Mr Bhowmick graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (B.V.A.) from the Government Art College in 1998. He expresses his artistic vision primarily through the fluid and subtle medium of watercolour. His deep inspiration comes from the ancient and sacred city of Varanasi, especially its riverbanks, its people, and the rhythms of everyday life, all of which frequently appear in his artworks. Bhowmick believes that within the simple, linear patterns of daily life in Varanasi, he uncovers the true spirit of India—timeless, diverse, and profoundly human. Through his canvases, he aims to capture this essence, allowing colour and culture to merge seamlessly, thus reflecting a living narrative of tradition and continuity.
Artist Tandra Bhadra Examines Everyday Human Realities Through her Art: Ms Bhadra focuses her artistic practice on the subtle details of everyday human life and the issues that prompt deeper reflection on the realities of being human. Through her work, she draws attention to ordinary moments and experiences, transforming them into thoughtful visual narratives that encourage viewers to engage more closely with the human condition in the contemporary world.
Artist Sonali Maitra Paul, born in Kolkata, the artist holds a Post Diploma in Graphics (Print Making) from the M.S. University of Baroda has explored multiple streams and mediums, including painting and printmaking; however, for years, her primary focus has been sculpture. The three-dimensional nature of sculptural practice has been a source of deep fascination since the artist first entered the field of art. Her body of work largely consists of bronze sculptures that draw inspiration from everyday life, incorporating commonly used objects along with human and animal figures. The works are realistic in approach and carry a strong sense of narrative and rhythm, capturing fleeting, momentary expressions. Subtle emotions, expressive details, and rich textures emerge through a thoughtful blend of keen observation and imaginative interpretation. The artist also experiments extensively with patina, a process that enhances the visual vitality and liveliness of the sculptures. “My experimentation with the patina makes my works look more lively as well”.
A Journey Beyond Mediums: Amit Sarkar, a graduate of the Government College of Art & Craft, Calcutta, presents a body of work that reflects both his artistic roots and his restless search for new forms of expression. Growing up in an environment steeped in visual art, Sarkar developed an early fascination with realism, drawn to the power of imagery across diverse media.
His years of study expanded that vision, opening him to broader aesthetic sensibilities and alternative practices. This evolution shaped a creative journey that refuses confinement to any single medium or stylistic convention. Sarkar’s art is fluid, exploratory, and deeply personal—his thoughts wander freely, and his practice mirrors that openness. He says, “My thoughts wander freely, and to this day I have never been able to restrict myself to one particular artistic form. Whatever I encounter in my daily life—whatever visually affects or moves me—“
In this exhibition, Sarkar captures not just the subjects that move him in daily life but also the fleeting moments of contemplation they inspire. His works are less about documenting ideas and more about evoking the very act of reflection itself. The result is an exhibition that invites viewers to pause, engage, and share in the artist’s ongoing dialogue between experience and expression.” I try to capture those elements through my art, employing different media. In my work, I do not merely document an idea; I strive to convey the very moment of contemplation and reflection itself”
Another Artist, Sujit Das, a Master in Visual Arts from Kolkata, says” My works portray the lived experience of women- their conversation,n quiet activity, desire, and imaginations – women together like knots in a braid, each layer concealing its own secret story. Through my canvas, I aim to reveal this silent intimacy and give form to the unseen emotional landscape, bonds and quiet strength that define their everyday lives.
A Surreal Quest for Harmony: Despite living with long-standing, incurable illnesses, Indira Halder continues to pursue her art with unwavering passion. Her creative journey is a search for a language of femininity—an imaginative space that challenges the boundaries of a male-dominated society. Through her surrealistic vision, Halder constructs a world of dreams and harmony, where nature and human relationships coexist in balance, and where male-female unity is celebrated rather than contested.
At the Habitat Centre exhibition, Halder presents five evocative paintings, each carrying titles that speak directly to her artistic philosophy: “Nostalgia in Dream,” “Heart to Heart in Wilderness,” “Whispers in the Wild,” “Entering Once Male Domain,” and “Ancient Tree of Wisdom.” These works reflect her inner dialogue, weaving together themes of memory, resilience, and the pursuit of harmony. Her art is not merely an aesthetic exercise—it is a testament to courage, imagination, and the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity.
Gauri’s Cityscapes: A Reflection of Our Times
Gouri Biswas is a Kolkata-based self-taught visual artist working with acrylic, mixed media, and collage on canvas and paper. With a background in Biology, she bridges science and art to explore climate change, urban life, and gender inequality. She bridges science and art to explore the pulse of human life. Her paintings reflect deep concerns about climate change, urban existence, and gender inequality.
After a 32-year government career, she chose to devote herself fully to art, creating cityscapes and symbolic female forms that seek harmony between humanity and the Earth.
As part of the “_We Are 17_” exhibition, Gauri presents a captivating collection of paintings that transport viewers to a world of introspection and contemplation. Her cityscapes are more than just visual representations – they are a reflection of our collective anxiety, a commentary on the rapidly changing urban landscape, and an exploration of the human experience.
In her own words, Gauri says, “I use cityscapes as a metaphor to reflect climate anxiety, gendered spaces, and urban disconnection.” Through her layered surfaces and symbolic forms, she invites us to ponder the intricate relationships between our cities, our emotions, and our identities.
Gauri’s paintings are a testament to her unique artistic voice, one that is untainted by formal training and unbridled by conventions. Her work speaks to the very heart of our existence, urging us to confront the realities of our time and to re-imagine our place within the urban fabric. Her painting offers a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with her thought-provoking art cityscapes and reflect on the world we live in.
Delhi Artist Beenu Bhatia Explores Women’s Lives Through Printmaking
Delhi-based artist Beenu Bhatia, a Diploma holder in Arts & Crafts from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, is known for her evocative printmaking practice, with a primary focus on drypoint. Her artistic journey has evolved from nature-inspired themes to addressing pressing social issues, particularly those affecting women. Through her work, Bhatia reflects on the fragility of life and the complex balance women maintain between expectations, responsibilities, and personal aspirations. Drawing from observation and lived experience, her prints explore resilience, solitude, and changing family dynamics, aiming to communicate a universal language of struggle, strength, and hope.
Artist Mriganka Paul Finds Meaning in the Ordinary Through Metal Sculptures
Born in Kolkata and currently practising in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, artist Mriganka Paul transforms everyday metal objects into minimalist forms that invite quiet self-reflection. His work blends traditional art sensibilities with contemporary practice, using weight and texture to suggest hidden knowledge and inner strength. Through each carefully crafted piece, Paul reveals how profound truths can emerge from the most ordinary materials.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until 25th December 2025.
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